We just got back from the inspiration

[hkmom]

I have read all kinds of stuff about this ship that wasn't very kind. We had a great time! The food was better than I have ever had on a carnival ship. The ship is very clean and not quite as gaudy as other carnival ships. The staff was wonderful, they were cleaning everywhere all the time. I wasn't aware of anyone with any noro virus symptoms from any passengers. The sailing was in winter on the pacific and the seas were calm weather was beautiful, hardly any motion on the ship.

 

Only 2 complaints, the first night when we walked into our cabin it was beyond freezing, you could have hung meat in there. The thermostat was turned up as high it would go. I slept in fluffy socks a jacket and a knit hat. I really should have taken a picture, I looked ridiculous.

The next day it was fixed (better cold than hot though)

 

Disembarkation was horrible the line to get off the ship went around the whole ship, really. It we didn't get off until after 10am. We were self assist and so was everyone in this line.

 

All in all we had a great time, oh yeah it was my 50th bday cruise. Going again next month on celebrity for a pacific coastal cruise.

 

HKMOM

[riclop]

I have read all kinds of stuff about this ship that wasn't very kind. We had a great time! The food was better than I have ever had on a carnival ship. The ship is very clean and not quite as gaudy as other carnival ships. The staff was wonderful, they were cleaning everywhere all the time. I wasn't aware of anyone with any noro virus symptoms from any passengers. The sailing was in winter on the pacific and the seas were calm weather was beautiful, hardly any motion on the ship.

 

Only 2 complaints, the first night when we walked into our cabin it was beyond freezing, you could have hung meat in there. The thermostat was turned up as high it would go. I slept in fluffy socks a jacket and a knit hat. I really should have taken a picture, I looked ridiculous.

The next day it was fixed (better cold than hot though)

 

Disembarkation was horrible the line to get off the ship went around the whole ship, really. It we didn't get off until after 10am. We were self assist and so was everyone in this line.

 

All in all we had a great time, oh yeah it was my 50th bday cruise. Going again next month on celebrity for a pacific coastal cruise.

 

HKMOM

Thanks for the review.

[SadieN]

Thanks for your review.

 

We are going in her on Friday. Hopefully her chefs are better than the ones on the Imagination a few weeks ago.

 

Are they serving the new menu yet?

 

The new, thin pizza?

 

Brunch or breakfast lunch on the sea day?

Edited February 11, 2014 by SadieN

[hkmom]

Yes they had the new menu "American table". I love that they have appetizers to share that go in the middle of the table. We didn't try the pizza, I have never had good pizza on a ship so we never try it anymore.

 

They had brunch in the dining room yesterday, we ate on deck. If you are a repeat cruiser they give you drink coupons that can only be redeemed in the dining room at breakfast lunch or brunch. We went into the dining room and ordered the drinks and and waited for them in the piano bar next to the Marci gras dining room. I had the best chocolate martini ever!

 

Hkmom

[SadieN]

Thanks.

The new Carnival pizza is very good, especially if you like thin crust pizza.

[cali-croozer]

Did you happen to keep the daily newspaper (fun times)? If so, can you scan them in and share them here?

 

 

 

Thanx in advance.

[SoCalKJ]

Next time...

 

If you're not in a big huge hurry to exit, you can hang out on the Lido until they do the "final debarkation call" for last minute stragglers and people like me who refuse to exit the ship!!

 

You can stay in your room until about 9-ish...order room service one final time...

[PDXJAS]

Thank you! Just booked this ship for March. I am sure it will be warmer then our temps here in Portland. My MIL joining us from Michigan will find the temps tropical. :D Glad to hear the food is great. My only worry is how long were the lines to get on?

[SadieN]

Thank you! Just booked this ship for March. I am sure it will be warmer then our temps here in Portland. My MIL joining us from Michigan will find the temps tropical. :D Glad to hear the food is great. My only worry is how long were the lines to get on?

 

Early check in starts around 9:30, usually at the Queen Mary, but could happen in front of the Dome.

When the doors open around 11:30, the early check in pax enter the Dome and go directly onto the ship. Causing a 'mass of humanity'.

 

With Mom & Sis we've been arriving around 11:30 and the lines into the Dome are long but not unruly.

On Friday we are arriving around 1pm. around this time it can take longer in the Priority building than going thru the regular line.:mad:

Edited February 11, 2014 by SadieN

[imaboo]

I was on the same sailing with you HKMOM and I agree, the ship was nice and clean and kept that way the whole time.

 

I would like to add that the food was definitely above par compared to the last time I was on this ship. Service in the dining room (YTD) the first night was a bit slow, but I didn't let it get to me.

 

The Seaday Brunch was excellent. I had the huevos rancheros. It was better than the same dish I had on the Magic in December.

 

Also they now have Playlist Productions and the Hasbro game show. I thought the performance the first night (Welcome Aboard Show) was fantastic. There is a surprise at the end ;)

 

The Hasbro game show was "meh" it seemed kind of hokey to me.

 

Finally - the live band that played outside the Casino each evening was the best I have heard on a ship in ages. The band is called The Straightjackets - totally worth staying up for if you are an early to bed type.

[imaboo]

Did you happen to keep the daily newspaper (fun times)? If so, can you scan them in and share them here?

 

Thanx in advance.

 

Here they are. The first two I downloaded to my tablet from the ship's internal "FunHub" website. The Funtimes for day 3 wouldn't download, so I scanned the paper copy after I got home.

 

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B5qylAPQTlx4THFhbXU4YlR6STQ&usp=sharing

[cali-croozer]

Thanx so much for the daily papers! We've been on many carnival cruises, but never a 3 day, so was curious to see what's up daily. :)

[imaboo]

Thanx so much for the daily papers! We've been on many carnival cruises, but never a 3 day, so was curious to see what's up daily. :)

 

You're welcome. I have the spa specials too if you're interested. I just uploaded them to the same location I put the Funtimes in.

Edited February 11, 2014 by imaboo
Included a note where to find the Spa Specials pdf.